Shimano Ultegra WH-6800 Road Wheelset - Clincher

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Trickle-down perfection.

While it's nearly impossible to pin down just one thing that we love about Shimano, its trickle-down Dura-Ace technology is certainly near the top of our list. With every new iteration, the line between Ultegra and Dura-Ace becomes more and more blurred, which is perfectly displayed here with the new Ultegra WH-6800 Clincher Wheelset.

New to this Ultegra generation, the WH-6800 features Shimano's Digital Adjustment System. Previously only available to Dura-Ace, this system essentially reduces axial force on the bearings, while also increasing the range of adjustment. How does it work? Well, as a result of the standard double-lock system, the quick-release axle naturally imposes a compression force on the axle bearings. So, Shimano abandoned this system in favor placing an internal ratcheting ring under an end cap. Accordingly, this axle compression is dispersed, leaving you with a nearly unaffected bearing-load. This means that the bearings will spin more smoothly and have an increase in durability. Additionally, Shimano has made this system simple to adjust. All that's needed is a 5mm Allen wrench to remove the end cap, and then you gain access to spin the ratcheting ring until any bearing play disappears.

Also new for this year, the hubs have been widened, and the rims feature an offset design. This reduces the severity of the spoke angle on the drive-side, and accordingly, it increases the lateral rigidity while also creating a greater uniformity of tension at every point of the spoke. For even further efficiency, the 6800 wheelset uses ultra-stiff, oversized A7075 alloy axles, and a quick-engaging freehub body.

Every wheel is 100% hand-built and features Shimano's own high-grade aluminum alloy rims. The front wheel has been built with 16 straight-pull, radial laced spokes, while the rear features 20 straight-pull, two-cross spokes. Additionally, the new freehub body is 10-/11-speed compatible, and the wheels are also tubeless compatible.

The Shimano Ultegra WH-6800 Clincher Wheelset is available in the color Black and is compatible with both clincher and tubeless tires. Please note that the quick-release skewers are included with the wheels, and that this wheelset tips the scales around 1640 grams -- a 12 gram reduction from WH-6700.

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In denial.

Familiarity: I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share

These are my partner's training wheels. She switches to 60mm carbon hoops for races, but the Ultegras are more than capable on base mile rides and during early spring canyon climbs. I'm actually a little jealous of their low weight, smooth hubs, and reasonable price, but I'll never admit it to her b/c I'm a Campy guy.

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Great value for a great set of wheels

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I am a big guy (185 lbs) and was a bit leery about the low spoke count and lighter weight of these wheels. After spending a ton of time on them on crappy Colorado roads, these wheels were a steal for how great they perform. Miles and miles of hard riding on them have not resulted in any out of trueness. Not sure what is unique about the braking surface but whatever Shimano did allows for FAST stopping.

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Bang For The Buck

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This was my first season on a road bike, and I wasn't very happy with my stocker Oval wheels that came on my bike. I was not ready to jump to carbon wheels, so I purchased these Shimano Ultegra wheels.

The Shimano Ultegra's were a great upgrade for me, as they are very reasonably priced, rigid out of the saddle, and perform very well overall.

I put about 2,000 miles on my Ovals, and 900 on these Ultegra's. I would definitely recommend them as a training wheel, or for someone like me that wants to upgrade their junk stockers.

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Lightweight / Rock Solid / Nothing Close

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I was told to try these by a bike shop mechanic who swore by them. I bought them for $450 as demos. That was almost five years ago. I have never looked back. Their weight is comparable to carbon clinchers which cost over four times as much. There is nothing close to these for the money and durability. I ride these on rough roads all the time.

Several spokes did blow on me soon after I purchased them, but Shimano promptly replaced the wheels entirely because they determined there was an issue and I have never had a problem with the new set. I have only had the back wheel trued just recently. I weigh from 190-210.

I run them tubeless which costs more because the tires don't last as long as my previous Gatorskins, but the ride is so much better. I run Hutchinson Fusion 3 in the 23mm width which is as comfortable as a 25mm with tubes. (25mm Hutchinson tubeless fail consistently for me).

I have the LBS replace tires every six months because it is easier to mount with a compressor and replace the latex. I never get flats unless I slice a tire and then it is easy to throw in a tube. I'm going to try the Specialized Tubeless tires next because of the great reviews they got in Velo.

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Great Experience for the money.

Familiarity: I've used it several times

I upgraded from a basic Shimano wheel 105 package that came with the bike originally, and I also change from a 23mm tire to a 25mm. The difference was about a 50% reduction in road vibration with a 50% increase in road handling. Some of the roads I ride have sever cracks, holes from missing pavement, and other road hazards like RR tracks can really send a jolt through your arms into your shoulders, it can be especially painful if your tired. I was very pleased with the purchase when I noted the difference in my ride. I have an older bike, and this was a very nice upgrade.

One other apparent upside to this wheel set I hadn't anticipated was the free wheeling affect from a slight tail wind I experienced. I was actually pushed along and gain speed with no effort on my part.

I use tubs with the wheel set, and it can be a little tricky airing them up without blowing a tube because the rim is designed for tubeless. The trick is once you have one side of the tire on the wheel and you have tucked the tube up into the tire, put enough air into the tube to give it some shape, then finish putting on the tire. If you try using a tool to put the tire on, you risk damaging the tube.

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If you are comparing them to basic wheels yes. They are stiffer and more efficient on climbs. They also trim a few hundred grams off the OEM wheels that are standard on many bikes. The reduced spoke count makes them a bit faster at higher speeds as well.

I have not had a problem running tubes on my set but the ride feel is much better when run tubeless.

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Great Set of Wheels!!

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

They came true out of the box, have taken on all the cobbled/pot-holed roads of Wisconsin after winter and even ran over a squirrel (he ran in front of me on a decent) and they're still true, strong and stiff in the sprint.

Answer Ascary L.'s Question

I have demoed the Dura Ace C24 and own the Ultegras. The Ultegras are actually a hair lighter in the rear wheel which surprised me when I weighed them at the LBS. That said, the Dura Ace feel a bit stiffer and I noticed on certain stretches that they rolled slightly better perhaps because of bearings? One other plus is that they are slightly wider at 24 compared to the Ultegra at 23.

It wasn't so much that I felt the urge to upgrade. If you are racing or just have the cash, the extra bit of roll and width might be worth it. Hope that helps.

Answer jtt1028-0's Question

I'm not familiar with your wheel. These are a good value for the money, especially when discounted. OEM wheels tend to be mediocre on most bikes until you get into the $3-$5K range. I had one pair and picked up a second pair a year later. They are relatively light and durability is adequate for daily training rides even on poor surfaces.

It seems to cost $2/g to hit lower weights than these by going with pricey carbon fibre.

Answer mic106017465-0's Question

Yes these will. I would also recommend looking at the HED Ardennes Plus wheel. Wider = better ride quality, less fatigue, and more control. Let me know if you have any other questions. gmcbride@backcountry.com